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The busiest day of the year for animal shelters and missing pet sites is the 4th of July. More pet runaways happen and lost pets are found on this day than on any other day above all others.

Here are 10 ways to keep your pet from becoming an Independence Day statistic.

1. Leave Your Pets at Home

First and foremost, leave your pets at home, preferably under lock and key. Even dogs who are normally comfortable with loud noises and crowds get spooked with fireworks.

2. If You Have Guests, Put Your Pets in a Safe, Familiar Spot

If you are having friends over, leave your pets in a safe spot. This should be one that's familiar, closed, well barricaded from the outside, and has a labeled door. At our house, we close up the dogs in our bedroom (the place where their crate is and they are already used to), put a chair in front of the door, and hang a sheet of paper that says "Dogs: Please do not disturb." This keeps our everyone looking for the coat room or extra bathroom , and my rambunctious pups in. If they still get loud, I crate them.

3. Crate Nervous Puppies

Crate your animals if, and only if, your nervous pups are comfortable and happy in the crate. I crate my dogs whenever I am away. They act like raccoons stuck in a candy store if I don't.

4. Create a Sanctuary for Your Pet

If they are not used to being in a crate, put your pets in a closed, preferably windowless, familiar spot that has a place they can hide in. For some fearful dogs, this is a clothes closet or under the bed. Let a pet hide if they want to hide. Don't try to force them to leave unless it is for their own safety. A scared pet will do irrational things, like run into a door, up a tree, or out a window (regardless of whether it is open or shut). They will also pull you with them, so be careful.

5. Protect Your Dogs and Cats From Noise

Put heavy blankets on a crate to buffer noise. Pets that like to hide usually prefer dark and quiet too. If you have a pet with a noise phobia, please ask your vet for help early.

6. Use a Very Short Leash, With a Harness

6If they want to be with you or, if you aren't in a safe place to keep them, keep your pet on a very short leash. Preferably, keep them leashed to a harness versus a collar to allow you better grip and hold. Collars often slip off, and then your pet is not only loose, he has no visible identification. Find the quietest place possible and try to stay seated until the noise or excitement passes.

7. Make Sure Your Pet Has Proper ID or a Chip

Have an identification tag on your pet's collar or harness. Have them micro-chipped, and make sure both tag and chip list current phone numbers and addresses.

8. Get a Calming Coat for Your Pet

Try a calming coat, like the ThunderShirt, or my personal favorite, the Rein Coat.

9. Take a Picture of Your Pet and Keep It on Your Phone

Keep your phone with you. If your pet gets away, call for help and start plastering social media and local animal hospitals, shelters, and rescues with a current and clear photo.

10. Caution: Fireworks Happen Before the 4th, Too

Fireworks and loud noises start days before the 4th of July and last days after the 4th. Be prepared for unexpected firework celebrations and prevent a pet runaway.

Many pet phobias and anxieties intensify and worsen with time. Your pet's frantic, fearful 4th of July could turn into a manic Memorial Day, loathesome Labor Day, and really unthankful Thanksgiving for family visitors.

Be safe, everyone!

Krista Magnifico, DVM, is the founder and chief creative officer of Pawbly.com, overseeing creative vision and user experience. She earned her veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005, and has had her own practice in Northern Maryland since. She has a strong interest in animal welfare and educating and inspiring people to take better care of their companions. Follow her on Twitter @FreePetAdvice.

PHOTO CREDIT: Krista Magnifico

Last Updated:7/2/2015

Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health. See More

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